Water damage may be the most common form of property damage, but nobody likes to deal with it. Whether it comes from a leaking pipe, a heavy rainstorm, or a hurricane, water causes a great deal of damage to both building materials and furnishings, and it will continue to wreak havoc until it’s removed. This is one job it’s better to leave to a water damage restoration company, for a variety of reasons.
Finding Hidden Water Damage & the Leak Source
Sometimes it’s easy to find the source of excess water in your home; if a hurricane took off the roof, that’s the most likely culprit. Other times the source is tougher to find; a broken pipe in a wall or a crack in the foundation can easily be overlooked. If the source of the leak isn’t corrected, there will be a never-ending cycle of flooding and cleanup until it’s fixed. Water can get into places most people wouldn’t think to look and cause damage that can go undetected until it’s too late. Trained professionals from restoration companies know how and where to look for water damage, as well as for sources of leaks. They know what to look for and where because they do it so often, unlike the average homeowner.
Heavy Duty Equipment & Products
Water damage mitigation professionals use the most advanced equipment and products in the industry. This equipment is usually not available to members of the general public, often because using them requires specialized training. Carpet vacuum cleaners aren’t designed to remove water, and commercially available shop vacs may not be able to handle an extensive flood. A restoration company has its own heavy-duty dehumidifiers, air movers, fans, and vacuums and doesn’t need to worry about borrowing or renting enough of them, especially in the case of a disaster when others may be trying to rent them. Their water extraction equipment can remove large amounts of standing water and the dehumidifiers and air movers can even extract water from damaged materials.
Fast Responses & Time Savings
When you find signs of water damage in your home or business, it’s important to act quickly before even more damage occurs. Wasting time tracking down resources and manpower gives rot and mold more time to ruin furnishings and building materials. That’s why it’s best to call a water damage restoration company that offers 24 hour, 7 day a week emergency services. Leaving cleanup to the professionals frees you and/or your staff to continue running your life or your business.
Mold Remediation
The biggest risk with water damage comes from mold growth. Mold can begin growing in as little as 48 hours and its presence not only ruins furnishings and building materials, but can cause serious health issues. Professional restoration technicians have the necessary training to safely and effectively deal with mold. They can provide proper testing to locate it in hidden places like walls, and they have the right equipment to make sure it is thoroughly removed. They also have protective gear to keep themselves safe during the mold remediation process. Attempting to clean mold on your own without the proper protective equipment can result in negative effects like irritated eyes and lungs. Some people have mold allergies that they may not know about and if these people try to work in a moldy area, it can be dangerous to their health.
Reducing Costs & Insurance Help
Working with a water damage mitigation company may save you money in the long run. A reputable company will do a comprehensive restoration the first time, ensuring that water won’t remain and soak into your property. Having to hire a company to come back and clean up mold and restore rotted building materials will be much more expensive. It will cost you even more if you have to take time off work to do any cleanup work yourself. A restoration company will also help you file a claim with your insurance provider for any property that was damaged by the flood or by mold. Since these companies frequently work with insurance adjustors, they know exactly what paperwork is necessary and the best ways to file claims.
Any time you find excess water in your home or business in Alexandria, VA or Washington, DC, call the water damage restoration experts at ServiceMaster NCR. No matter if it comes from rain, sewage backups, or broken pipes, we’ll respond quickly to begin the mitigation process before the damage can spread further or harmful mold or bacteria can begin to grow. Our certified and experienced professionals remove excess water; dry, dehumidify, and disinfect the area; restore structural elements and personal items; and remove all traces of mold from your property. We also offer corrosion control and sewage contamination cleanup services.
Water damage restoration costs vary, depending on the extent of the damage and the presence of mold. Watch the video for more information:
